Parenting in the Age of Overindulgence online course

Are you a parent who is concerned about giving "too much" to your children? Are you interested in finding out how overindulgence affects families? Then the Parenting in the Age of Overindulgence online course is for you!

Parents and caregivers overindulge children from a "good heart." Overindulgence doesn't help children (or families) in the long run. Minimizing overindulgence can improve family well-being and stability.

About the course

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University of Minnesota Extension educators partnered with Jean Illsley Clarke, and Lisa Krause to discuss issues related to overindulgence. (See the full author list below.) They wanted to provide families and professionals an overview on overindulgence and tools for avoiding it with children. The team decided that an online course would best meet the needs.

The development team wanted to course to:

Increase parents’ self awareness on overindulgence.

Promote self-efficacy to make changes to reduce overindulgence in their parenting.

Provide an online source for overindulgence education for a digital generation of parents.

Give participants tools to identify and address overindulgence in their lives.

This course is based on the research from the Overindulgence Research Project. The project is led by Jean Illsley Clarke, Ph.D., Connie Dawson, Ph.D., and David Bredehoft, Ph.D. This team has:

Completed ten research studies on overindulgence. These studies have provided insight into childhood overindulgence and its effect on adults.

Used the research to co-author the book, “How much is too much? Raising likable, responsible, respectful children — From toddlers to teens — In an age of overindulgence.” This book provides practical implications and potential applications based on the research.

Developed the "How much is too much? Book and leaders’ guide for facilitating in-person classes."

Once the course was developed, the content and presentation was reviewed by professionals. A “Think aloud”-style user review was also completed. After the review, the course was finalized and made available to the public.

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You can help make programs like this possible

Do you want to help provide financial support to Parent Education programs and their development at the University of Minnesota Extension’s Center for Family Development? This includes, but is not limited to, the creation of online, independent learning activities and books, and to contribute to the development of a template for designing online self-guided learning activities. Learn more about the Jean Illsley Clarke Fund for Online Parent Education or make a gift today!